Scott Rigell on Gun Control

Gun control only penalizes law-abiding citizens

Our Constitution was founded on principles of individual liberty and limited government. The right of Americans to own firearms is confirmed by the Second Amendment. Gun control serves only to penalize law-abiding citizens, not criminals.

The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.

The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Further restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms"

Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases.

Rigell co-sponsored Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act

Congressional Summary:Amends the federal criminal code to:

allow licensed firearms dealers to sell or deliver any firearm (currently, rifles or shotguns) to any state if the licensee meets with the purchaser and the transaction complies with the laws of the state in which the transfer is conducted and the purchaser's state of residence; and

eliminate the requirement that a licensee must conduct business at a gun show only in the state that is specified on the licensee's license.

Nothing in this Act shall prohibit the sale of a firearm or ammunition between licensed firearms dealers at any location in any state.

Proponent's Comments (NRA-ILA, Oct. 14, 2011): This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968:

Virtually all interstate transfers directly between private citizens are banned; so are nearly all interstate handgun sales by licensed dealers.

Firearms dealers may only do business at their licensed premises or (since 1986) at gun shows in their own state.

Dealers may not even transfer firearms to one another face to face, away from their business premises.

Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad.

Rigell co-sponsored Veterans' Heritage Firearms Act

Provides a 90-day amnesty period during which veterans and their family members can register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record any firearm acquired before October 31, 1968, by a veteran while a member of the Armed Forces stationed outside the continental United States.

Grants such an individual limited immunity with respect to the acquisition, possession, transportation, or alteration of such firearm before or concurrent with such registration.

Extends such immunity to a veteran who attempts to register a qualifying firearm outside of the amnesty period if the veteran surrenders the firearm within 30 days after being notified of potential criminal liability for continued possession.

Transfers each firearm qualifying as a curio or relic which has been forfeited to the United States to the first qualified museum that requests it

Publishes information identifying each such firearm which is available to be transferred to a museum.

Makes a prohibition against transfer or possession of a machine-gun inapplicable to museums.